Archive for June 30th, 2016

Persons determined to successfully run a spiritual race may have recently experienced unexpected distractions! Considering these days to be the latter days, these overpowering distractions are fiery darts which come via an embittered enemy which comes to devour persons determined to live righteously! This unsympathetic satanic-spirit is assisted by demonic forces transformed into ‘political clothing’ to attack and destroy anything deemed spiritually credible.

National and local political deceivers embodied in human flesh are also recognized as spiritual prostitutes and discerned but by the fruit-they-bear! The Holy Scriptures has predicted; that the enemy in the latter day would fool the very elect if possible! Those acquainted with the scriptures might want to become fruit inspectors realizing that an apple tree cannot bear bananas.

Considering that political deceivers comes with peace on their lips but not in the heart, we have to trust God for his knowledge… and not forget that above all things the heart is desperately wicked … who can know it but God?

According to the prophet Daniel, the Antichrist will be a master of deception: “He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning.” Daniel 8:25.

The Antichrist (who only speaks of self) will convince his followers he is the answer to the world’s problems. Apostle Paul tells us that those who become caught in the Antichrist’s web of deceit will be guilty because they freely choose to enjoy evil while denying the truth:

The political deceiver: “He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. So God will cause them to be greatly deceived, and they will believe these lies. Then they will be condemned for enjoying evil rather than believing the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

It should be emphasized that Satan (Lucifer, Devil), is on the tracks of Christ believers. The demonic spirit diligently seeks to turn especially African Americans and Hispanics backwards to their humiliating-ungodly-yesterdays! Any true baptized believers in Christ are to continue in fervent prayer looking unto God who remains the author and finisher of the faith! We have to know that Christ will provide an avenue of escape in dangerous times for; somehow the believer is going to make this journey successfully!

It is not a joke, but a critical truth that the people of God are by divine intervention on a spiritual journey… a mission that was set-forth before the foundation of the world. The chosen people of God are on this planet earth to complete an assignment for the Master’s purpose and not to please the wimps of politicians.

Now is the critical time to make decisions in our lives, for “No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money. Matthew 6:24.

Satan deceitfully (with a smile) comes to rob, steal, kill and has all sights to destroy the life-giving works of God! The Scriptures advised/warned that the vehicles in this present warfare would not be flesh and blood, but would be about the matters of principalities and spiritual wickedness that sits in high places! It is more than fair to say that we speak of evils that are perhaps currently sitting in seats of authority, while other demons via for high places in the United States government to rule over fair and honest persons.

Let’s prayerfully examine one module acutely used by the enemy to rob, steal and destroy. God has revealed a key element utilized by Lucifer… the NRA!

NRA: It has been reported that the new National Rifle Association President Jim Porter, recently revealed his disrespectful comments regarding President Obama, calling Mr. Obama, a “fake president” and called Attorney General Eric Holder as “rabidly un-American.”

These biased remarks from the pit-of-hell also reported Jim Porter to say that “northern folk tryin’ take away what is rightfully ours. I will not stand by and let some liberal-elitists try to ruin what has made this country great, especially a liberal of, you know, a different breed.”

The leader of the NRA was reported to say, “I don’t have to clarify. You know gall darn well what I mean. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before we can own colored people again. They sure as hell won’t be our leaders. It’s out-right embarrassing. The War of Northern Aggression made it all possible, and you be best to know it’s all gonna change back. I’ll be on the front lines making sure it happens. I don’t want my grandkids growing up taking orders from a colored man. It’s our God-given right to keep them as property and keep them in line.”

Some members of the NRA are now seeking to separate themselves from the president, however the statements remains… the damage has been done as the truth revealed.

Quite-a-few, National and local political candidate or merely power-seekers, are as such that racial hatred is prevalent and spewed forth recklessly, and certainly without any reservations rather the anointed people of God have been offended. Warning: “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:22.

The people anointed and appointed by God must be diligent in their pursuit to please God and not the wimps of man. It is important that anointed people of God continue to be subjected ‘only to God’ and foremost in the mind: Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.

Each political candidate ought to keep in mind: For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1

“For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

In that youth emulate that which they see… how are we to expect the many youth that have fallen to crime, drugs and violence, to cease from their diabolical ways … when those sitting politicians and seekers are displaying despicable behavior? – Rev. Harold E. Bailey.

In the Wake of Massive IKEA Dresser Recall, Attorney General Urges Consumers to Check for Recalled Products Before Buying Used Items Online

CHICAGO, IL – Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan joined with Kids in Danger to urge Illinois consumers shopping on second-hand markets to be aware of recalled products that may be sold without warning.

Madigan and Nancy Cowles, executive director of KID, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children by improving children’s product safety, urged any consumers who may be shopping on sites like Craigslist, eBay or other second-hand markets to check if the product or item may have been recalled. Consumers can view information about recalls on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website and KID’s website.

This week IKEA voluntarily recalled 29 million dressers and chests after the deaths of six toddlers from tip-over accidents. Consumers – especially consumers with young children – who own the dressers that are not anchored to the wall should stop using the dressers until they can be anchored. IKEA has advised consumers that they can receive a refund or store credit for their dresser or received a free repair kit to anchor the dresser to the wall to prevent a tip-over accident. For more information about the IKEA recall, contact its customer service at (866) 856-4532 or visit its website.

“Consumers shopping for used products should know that recalled products may be sold online without warning,” Madigan said. “It’s critical to check if an item has been recalled before making any second-hand purchase and learn what information or repairs may need to be made in order to ensure the item is safe in your home. Consumers can also contact my Recall Hotline for information on recalled products.”

“While it’s illegal to sell recalled products, online sellers may be unaware their product has been recalled,” Cowles said. “Online sites should do what they can to keep recalled products off their sites, and buyers should check as well at CPSC.gov or by searching at kidsindanger.org on a mobile device.”

Madigan and KID also warned families and caregivers to the risk of tip-over accidents for unsecured furniture that has led to increased reports of injury and deaths across the country. Madigan and KID urged families to follow CPSC guidelines to secure furniture in their homes:

Anchor furniture to the wall or floor;

Place televisions on sturdy, low-base stands or furniture, or anchor the furniture and the television on its base, and push the television as far back to the wall as possible;

Keep remote controls, toys and other items of interest to children off of television stands or furniture;

Keep television and cable cords out of reach; and

Ensure that freestanding kitchen ranges and stoves are installed with anti-tip brackets.

For more information, including information about the IKEA recall, contact Madigan’s Recall Hotline at 1-888-414-7678.

WASHINGTON, DC – President Barack Obama nominated Jason D. Tulley to serve on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

“I am pleased to nominate Jason D. Tulley to serve on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia,” said President Obama. “I am confident he will serve the District of Columbia with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”

Jason D. Tulley: Nominee for the Superior Court of the District of Columbia:
Jason D. Tulley has served in the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia since 2003, where he currently serves as the Training Director, a position he has held since 2015. Prior to that, he served as Special Counsel, where he headed the organization’s Forensic Practice Group, focusing on litigation of science issues, including DNA evidence, fingerprints, and the psychology of eyewitness identification. During his thirteen years at the Public Defender Service, Tulley has tried a number of cases in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and also worked on forensic issues leading to the exoneration of clients. From 2000 to 2003, Tulley was a Deputy Capital Defender for the Capital Defender Office in New York City, where he represented indigent defendants in capital cases. From 1996 to 2000, he worked in private practice in Baltimore, Maryland. He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Theodore G. Bloom of the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland from 1995 to 1996. He received his J.D., Order of the Coif, from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1995 and his B.A., with honors, from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1992.

President Barack Obama announces More Key Administration Posts

The president announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Debra Satz – Member, National Council on the Humanities

Stuart Symington– Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Department of State

President Obama also announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key Administration post:

President Obama said, “I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to serve our country. They bring their years of experience and expertise to this Administration, and I look forward to working with them.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Dr. Debra Satz, Nominee for Member, National Council on the Humanities
Dr. Debra Satz is the Marta Sutton Weeks Professor of Ethics in Society and Senior Associate Dean for the Humanities and Arts at Stanford University, positions she has held since 2007 and 2010, respectively. Dr. Satz joined Stanford University’s Department of Philosophy in 1988. She served as Faculty Director of the Bowen McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society from 2008 to 2014 and as Director of the Program in Ethics in Society 1996 to 2007. In 2002, Dr. Satz was the Marshall Weinberg Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Michigan. She taught at Swarthmore College from 1987 to 1988 and at Harvard University from 1986 to 1987 Dr. Satz received a B.A. from the City College of New York and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Stuart Symington, Nominee for Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Department of State
W. Stuart Symington, a career member of the Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, is Deputy Assistant Secretary for Central Africa and African Security Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, a position he has held since 2015. Mr. Symington served as U.S. Special Representative for the Central African Republic from 2014 to 2015 and as a Political Advisor at U.S. Northern Command/North American Aerospace Defense Command from 2011 to 2014. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda from 2008 to 2011 and Djibouti from 2006 to 2008. He was the Department’s Representative at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia from 2005 to 2006, Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq from 2004 to 2005, and Deputy Director of the Department’s Office of West African Affairs from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Symington served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger from 2001 to 2003, Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador from 1997 to 2001, and a Pearson Fellow in the Office of U.S. Congressman Ike Skelton from 1996 to 1997. Since joining the Foreign Service in 1986, Mr. Symington has also served in Honduras, Spain, and Mexico, as well as in the Office of the Under Secretary for Political Affairs. Mr. Symington received a B.A. from Brown University and a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.

President Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individual to a key Administration post:

Kody H. Kinsley, Appointee for Assistant Secretary for Management, Department of the Treasury
Kody H. Kinsley is Counselor in the Office of Management at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Previously, Mr. Kinsley served as Director of Policy and Program Support in the District of Columbia Department of Human Services from 2015 to 2016. From 2012 to 2015, he served in various roles at the Department of the Treasury, including Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Management from 2014 to 2015. He also detailed as a Policy Analyst for the Deputy Director to the Domestic Policy Council at the White House from 2013 to 2014. From 2011 to 2012, Mr. Kinsley was a Program Analyst in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Mr. Kinsley received a B.A. from Brevard College and an M.P.P from the Goldman School at the University of California, Berkeley.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle released the preliminary forecast for the County’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget, signaling that difficult financial choices are on the horizon as the County develops its budget over the next several months.

Preckwinkle announced a projected operating shortfall for FY2017 of $174.3 million, driven by factors including gridlock over a state budget, growing legacy debt service costs and increased technology spending needed to upgrade antiquated and outdated systems.

A projected FY2016 year-end budget shortfall of $48 million will be closed by spending reductions via holdbacks in both personnel and non-personnel costs, expenditure reductions by the Cook County Health and Hospitals System and a new encumbrance policy that discontinues the practice of rolling over funds unspent by departments at year’s end.

“I introduced the preliminary forecast early in my administration to increase transparency in the budget process, determine potential fiscal pitfalls early and encourage public input,” Preckwinkle said. “This preliminary forecast provides a helpful appraisal of the County’s financial position as we develop the FY2017 budget. To close the FY 16 budget shortfall and address the FY 17 gap, we will have a number of tough decisions to make over the coming months.”

Uncertainty over a state budget has impacted Cook County’s FY2016 and will influence decisions necessary to form the FY2017 budget. The most recent monthly reporting period showed the state owes Cook County government $53.1 million, and an additional $57.4 million to the Health and Hospitals System from FY2016. A number of grant-funded programs could be at-risk depending on funding levels in the reported budget deal being deliberated in Springfield.

Total FY2017 expenditures in the General Fund are forecasted to rise, driven primarily by the County’s pledge to use higher sales tax receipts to pay down Pension Fund liabilities in 2017, amounting to an additional $80 million expense, along with increased spending on transportation infrastructure by $54.5 million, and dedicating $30 million to legacy debt service, consistent with commitments made last year.

Additional spending pressures are driven by rising personnel costs ($52.2M), higher employee health benefit costs ($13.4M, which are expected to rise at the rate of medical inflation) and increasing contractual service costs primarily supporting justice initiatives ($8.5M). Contributing non-personnel factors also include increased technology spending in the operating funds through technology upgrades and maintenance obligations ($14.3M) as the County continues to shift these expenses away from debt funding and moves these critical investments into operating funds .

Overall, County General Fund Revenues are projected to decline by 4 percent in 2017 versus 2016, other than property and sales tax revenues. Revenues from the delinquent tax sale process are projected to decline $12 million from last year based on the impact of State legislation to move up the tax sale date. Additionally, the County is experiencing flat or declining revenue in a number of areas including $10 million less from cigarette and other tobacco product taxes.

Preckwinkle noted that the forecasted gap does not include the potential negative implications a proposed constitutional amendment passed by the Illinois Legislature might have on the County’s public safety budget. The amendment will go to the voters in November and would require revenues derived from taxes and fees relating to vehicles to be dedicated to construction, maintenance and traffic-related costs of roads and bridges. The County continues to analyze this possible amendment but believes there is a risk of a negative impact on the County’s Public Safety programs should it be adopted in the fall.

The President pointed out that her administration has confronted tight fiscal times before and made the hard decisions to achieve balanced budgets.

“Since taking office, we’ve eliminated operating deficits of $1.6 billion, lowered the County’s headcount by 9.4 percent and reduced the County’s direct operating tax allocation to the hospitals system by over $260 million without compromising patient care,” she said. “The County has responsibly closed gaps before and we will do it again. We will navigate these tough times, make hard but necessary decisions, and confront our financial challenges without kicking the can down the road.”

In order to address the preliminary gap, the President has directed the budget department to look at contract savings, to delay hiring, and to implement additional personnel and non-personnel holdbacks. The holdback falls under the statutory discretion of the County’s budget director and serves as a savings mechanism by retaining, or holding back, dollars allocated to County departments in the budget.

A public hearing on the 2017 preliminary forecast will take place at 6 p.m. on July 19 in the Cook County Board Room on the 5th floor of 118 N. Clark St.

Residents will have an opportunity to provide testimony and engage directly with the President’s office on their budget priorities. The President’s office will live-stream the public hearing and residents can use social media to ask questions.

Beginning today, residents can visit the County’s budget website at www.cookcountyil.gov/Budget<http://www.cookcountyil.gov/Budget> to view the preliminary forecast and access more information about how the County allocates its resources.

An executive budget recommendation is anticipated in October, to be followed by public hearings and with a final vote in November.

On Thursday, a broad coalition of organizations representing residents being hurt by the continued state budget impasse will rally in support of a budget that fully funds the services and programs communities need.

The last twelve months have devastated the state: after-school programs have closed, summer jobs have been cut, anti-violence programs have been dismantled, public universities are at risk of shutting down, thousands of working families applying for child care assistance are no longer eligible, seniors and those with disabilities who apply are not receiving needed independent living services, and parents are being told that schools may not open in fall. The lack of a budget and years of disinvestment from vulnerable populations and communities of color has created a state of emergency in Illinois.

Meanwhile, rich individuals and wealthy corporations continue to profit from the budget impasse. Governor Rauner and his top donors like Ken Griffin have received tens of millions in tax breaks. Ken Griffin’s 2015 tax break alone is enough money to pay to restore funding for the anti-violence program CeaseFire and provide home care for 1,570 seniors. On Thursday, community residents will make clear that taking resources from seniors, children, and Black & Brown communities to pay for tax cuts for the rich is unacceptable.

New Haven, CT (BlackNews.com) — Robert Pellegrino believes all men are created equal.

His life has been defined by those words and in his effort to change the mindsets of how whites perceive blacks, he has penned a book called I See Color, which documents his journey educating himself on the issue of race – from personal relationships and experiences.

Pellegrino, 58, whos Italian/Irish and is married to a black woman, said the idea of the books title was largely due to the common assertion by some whites who say they dont see color.

Its a lie, we see color – black and white when dealing with one another, Pellegrino said. Its disrespectful. In order for me to see you, I have to erase your color and part of who you are.

The book offers white Americans solutions to challenge racial stereotypes, tendencies and unconscious habits toward blacks. It deals directly with the issue of race relations between blacks and whites, while providing a plan for America to reach its goal of equality between the races. It provides a blueprint needed for America to reach its final goal of equality between the races. It details common issues with white liberal thinking and provides both analysis and solutions to reduce the hidden, and often unconscious, racism therein.

New Haven defense attorney Michael Jefferson said Pellegrinos book was long overdue and a must-read for whites.

Blacks can also greatly benefit from much of what the book has to offer. Bob takes a no-holds-barred approach when discussing racism, said Jefferson, whos the author of Deo Vindice: The Resurrection.

He is brutally honest about his own social development regarding race and those close to him. Thankfully he dispenses with polite and accommodating jargon that often accompanies most discussions around race and gets right down to what is commonly referred to as the nitty-gritty.

Pellegrino believes there is a level of disrespect from white people regarding blacks, which stems from the long documented history of racism in America.

You cant teach me anything, said Pellegrino, speaking about how he believes most whites view blacks.

Pellegrino says, There is a difference between racism and prejudice; racism has a superiority component built in. Its the ability to suppress based upon the belief Im superior to you.

In the book, Pellegrino admits it took him 30 years to reduce his own racism. In the chapter, The Man in the Mirror, Pellegrino provides a simple process for whites to rid racist habits.

The process includes an open heart and mind, dropping the denial, letting go of old attitudes and beliefs, seeking out information and knowledge on race relations from those affected by it most African Americans, implement what we learn and have patience, persistence, practice and perseverance to be successful.

NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County, New Jersey, man admitted helping funnel $80,000 in campaign contributions from a foreign source to the joint fundraising committee of the President of the United States during the 2012 presidential election, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman of the District of New Jersey announced.

Bilal Shehu, 48, of Paramus, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an information charging him with knowingly and willfully making foreign contributions and donations in connection with the 2012 presidential election and to a fundraising and political campaign committee of the president, aggregating $25,000 or more during a calendar year.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In September 2012, Shehu, a U.S. citizen living in New Jersey, received approximately $80,000 from a foreign source and provided it to a joint fundraising committee – including the authorized campaign committee of the president – to disguise the true origin of the money and so that a foreign national could attend a campaign event on Oct. 8, 2012, in San Francisco. Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from making contributions to federal candidates or fundraising committees and, in order to attend the event, a foreign national needed to be accompanied by a U.S. citizen. Shehu admitted that he received an $80,000 wire transfer into his New Jersey-based bank account from a foreign bank account in late September 2012, knowing that he was to provide it to the joint fundraising committee. In early October 2012, Shehu flew to San Francisco and attempted to gain entry into the San Francisco fundraising event with the foreign national, who was denied entry but was allowed to be photographed with the President.

No one on the joint fundraising committee has been accused of any wrongdoing and the committee has fully cooperated in the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The charge to which Shehu pleaded guilty carries a maximum potential penalty of five years and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 5, 2016.

The FBI investigated the case. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McCarren of the District of New Jersey’s Special Prosecutions Division Trial Attorneys Charles Walsh and Peter Halpern of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the County will award four grants of $200,000 each to support local violence prevention programs, the first in a total of $1.9 million in such awards to be made in FY 2016.

The County Board approved the grants at its meeting today. Use of the grants will be monitored by the County’s Justice Advisory Council.

Recipients of the grants were determined made following the competitive Request for Proposals process. An evaluation committee made up of multiple County stakeholders and officials, including the Justice Advisory Council, deliberated before selecting the four grantees.

The County Violence Prevention, Intervention, and Reduction Grants program has been operating since 2013. The program seeks to fund promising initiatives operated by 501(c)(3) or (c)(4)s that work to address violence in Cook County communities by reducing risks of violence involvement, working to stop the cycle of violence, and/or strengthening communities to reduce the occurrence of violence.

“I am pleased we are able to continue providing resources to support local anti-violence initiatives in community settings,” Preckwinkle said. “Many of our neighborhoods and their residents confront public safety issues on a daily basis, and it is critical for Cook County to take a pro-active role in addressing the complexities that underlie this problem.”

The awardees and their programs for the $200,000 demonstration grants are:

* OAI (Opportunity Advancement Innovation), Inc. will implement the Preventing Violence through Manufacturing Careers Collaborative program. The program will expand the Young Manufacturers Association to the West Side of Chicago and the South Suburbs. The expansion will target at-risk and “opportunity” youth with access to career pathways in manufacturing, peer support, life skills development and leadership training.

* Build, Inc. will operate the Safe Space-Safe Play Initiative in the Austin neighborhood. The program combines community and youth engagement, the creation of safe spaces for community gatherings, enhanced arts and athletic programming, the establishment of an Austin Youth Leadership Council and intensive mentoring for 50 at-risk youth ages 12-19.

* Brighton Park Neighborhood Council will operate the Leaders of Tomorrow program. The program includes case management and trauma-informed counseling for youth at Kelly High School, Davis Elementary and Shields Middle School. The students served are identified by school staff to be referred to the program due to behavioral challenges, poor grades, chronic truancy, gang involvement and other behaviors that lead to a higher risk of involvement in violence.

* Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is offering intensive wrap-around services, 24/7 crisis management, mentoring, educational and vocational assistance, conflict resolution, court advocacy and links to other services for 50 juvenile probationers. Those eligible will be at high risk of recidivism and involvement in violence as shown by a risk assessment and a history of charges, particularly those that are weapons-related.

Since the program’s inception, the County has distributed violence prevention, intervention and reduction grants of more than $6 million dollars to community-based programs. An additional $1.1 million will be distributed later this fiscal year. Grantees report quarterly on their progress and the impact of their programs on the targeted population.

“I want to thank the officials and stakeholders who helped evaluate the grant proposals,” Preckwinkle said. “While we would like to do more, we are confident that our residents will benefit as a result of the programs chosen by our evaluation team.”

The 4-4 ruling left intact a nationwide injunction on the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA) and the expansion of the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA+) programs, which promised temporary relief from the fear of deportation for four million immigrants and families already rooted in American society, raising families, running businesses and contributing to our communities and economy.

As a result of today’s split decision, DAPA and DACA+ will continue to be stalled by anti-immigrant obstructionist governors and the overreach of a single district court judge in Texas. Instead of providing clarity and guidance, the Court will force millions of families to remain in limbo as Congress fails to address the severe inadequacies of the U.S. immigration system. With today’s loss, NIJC redoubles its advocacy for inclusive, permanent immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship for 11 million immigrants living, working and raising families in the United States without access to lawful status.

In the upcoming days, NIJC and its partners will coordinate a series of information sessions to provide communities information about the impact of the ruling. We encourage individuals to better understand their legal rights by consulting with licensed immigration attorneys or legal aid organizations recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals. While today’s outcome is deeply disappointing, it does not impact DACA 2012. Importantly, more than 14 percent of individuals eligible for DACA 2012 have found they also qualify for other, more permanent forms of relief. NIJC anticipates a similar pattern among the population who could have benefited from DACA+ and DAPA, but those alternate forms of relief might only be identified by an experienced legal practitioner.

Individuals in Illinois and Indiana may schedule legal consultations with NIJC by calling (312) 660-1370 or emailing

With offices in Chicago, Indiana, and Washington, D.C., Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to ensuring human rights protections and access to justice for all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through a unique combination of direct services, policy reform, impact litigation and public education. Visit immigrantjustice.org.

WASHINGTON, D. C. – U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) applauded the Senate Appropriations Committee’s passage of the fiscal year (FY) 2017 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Program Appropriations (SFOPs) Bill which increases aid to Israel and supports international family planning and democracy programs in developing countries. The $52 billion appropriations bill now heads to the Senate floor.

“Protecting our allies, providing lifesaving global health care and promoting human rights are fundamental to our national security,” said Senator Kirk. “By advancing U.S. interests abroad, we are able to protect women and vulnerable communities while stopping the spread of extremism.”

Robust Security Assistance for Israel: The bill provides $3.4 billion in military security assistance for Israel, $300 million above the President’s request, and $7.5 million for refugee resettlement in Israel.

Measures To Combat Economic Warfare Targeting Israel: Senator Kirk authored the bipartisan Combating BDS Act of 2016 to empower state and local governments to use the power of the purse to defend against the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement’s economic warfare targeting Israel. The Combating BDS Act of 2016 allows state and local governments to divest taxpayer money from companies engaged in anti-Israel BDS behavior. This legislation underscores the critical role that state and local communities have to play in the ongoing struggle against anti-Semitism worldwide.

Support for International Family Planning: Senator Kirk co-led an amendment to restore more than $600 million in funding for global women’s health services, including $37.5 million in critical funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). These funds provide access to lifesaving family planning and reproductive health services around the world. The amendment also repealed the “global gag rule,” which prohibits recipients of U.S. aid from providing family planning and maternal health services.

The UNFPA offers contraceptive and family planning services and maternal health care worldwide. In 2015 alone, the UNFPA helped 23.3 million women in more than 100 countries receive access to modern contraceptives and reproductive health services. UNFPA’s services had the potential to prevent 220,000 child deaths, 12.3 million unintended pregnancies, 4.4 million induced abortions and 34,000 maternal deaths worldwide. UNFPA’s humanitarian work in 2015 spanned emergency preparedness, disaster risk reduction and humanitarian response and recovery. From Syria, to Yemen, to South Sudan, Nepal, the Central African Republic and other countries affected by crises, the UNFPA worked to ensure safe birth and safety from fear and sexual violence.

Protections For Christian Assyrians in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains: Christian communities in northern Iraq have been devastated by ISIS and sectarian violence.Senator Kirk successfully advocated for the bill’s support of programs to assist vulnerable Iraqi ethnic and religious minorities, including the Christian community in the Nineveh Plains in northern Iraq. Senator Kirk also successfully required the Department of State to report on the progress of the creation of theNineveh Plains province. At Senator Kirk’s request, the bill also requires the Department of State to formulate a strategy to provide assistance to certain military and security forces fighting ISIS, including certain Christian Assyrians in northern Iraq.

Assistance to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh: The FY17 bill provides over $25 million in assistance to Armenia and supports continued funding for and the geographical expansion of demining programs in Nagorno-Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh suffers from one of the highest per capita landmine accidents worldwide.

International Programs To Empower Women & Girls: As a priority of Senator Kirk’s, the bill includes $28 million to help empower women and girls in predominantly Muslim countries who are at risk from conflict and extremism. The bill also supports programs to promote gender equality, including $50 million to increase leadership opportunities for women in countries where they suffer from discrimination under the law or due to policy and practice. More than $157 million is also included to implement a strategy to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in conflict zones and in countries where gender-based violence is common.

Funding For Korean Divided Families: The bill prioritizes efforts to reunite Korean Americans who were divided from their families after the 1950s Korean War. More than 100,000 first-generation Korean-Americans remain separated from family members abroad and directs the Department of State to consult with outside stakeholders (such as Divided Families USA and Council of Korean Americans) on current challenges and potential opportunities to reunite these these Korean-American “Divided Families.”

Funding for Great Lakes Fishery Commission: The bill includes approximately $25 million, nearly $5 million over the Administration’s request to promote the Great Lakes Fishery. The International Joint Commission coordinates fisheries research, controls the invasive sea lamprey, and facilitates cooperative fishery management among the state, provincial, tribal, and federal management agencies.

The FY17 bill also includes Kirk authored language requesting an International Joint Commission review before Canada makes a decision on the Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) proposal to permanently store 7 million cubic feet of toxic nuclear waste less than one mile from Lake Huron. OPG’s proposal could cause irreparable harm to the Great Lakes, the drinking water source for 30 million Americans.

Assistance To Ukraine & Language Condemning Russian Annexation: The FY17 bill provides $294.9 million in assistance to the Ukraine and stresses the importance of the international community’s need to challenge Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The bill also prohibits assistance to the Russian government and makes funds available to promote democracy programs, including the promotion of Internet freedom within Russia.

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Welcome to CopyLine Magazine! The first issue of CopyLine Magazine was published in November, 1990, by Editor & Publisher Juanita Bratcher. CopyLine’s main focus is on the political arena – to inform our readers and analyze many of the pressing issues of the day - controversial or otherwise. Our objectives are clear – to keep you abreast of political happenings and maneuvering in the political arena, by reporting and providing provocative commentaries on various issues. For more about CopyLine Magazine, CopyLine Blog, and CopyLine Television/Video, please visit juanitabratcher.com, copylinemagazine.com, and oneononetelevision.com. Bratcher has been a News/Reporter, Author, Publisher, and Journalist for 33 years. She is the author of six books, including “Harold: The Making of a Big City Mayor” (Harold Washington), Chicago’s first African-American mayor; and “Beyond the Boardroom: Empowering a New Generation of Leaders,” about John Herman Stroger, Jr., the first African-American elected President of the Cook County Board. Bratcher is also a Poet/Songwriter, with 17 records – produced by HillTop Records of Hollywood, California. Juanita Bratcher Publisher